ACL tears can be debilitating and often require intervention to restore knee stability and functionality. However, advancements in medical research and techniques have opened possibilities for the natural healing of ACL tears.
According to Dr. Gregory Montalbano, orthopedic surgeon and faculty member at NYU School of Medicine, ACL tears can indeed heal. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed promising results in ACL tear healing using a cross bracing protocol. The study revealed that 90% of knees showed evidence of healing at three months on repeat MRI testing. Moreover, patients with Grade 1 sprains demonstrated normal knee stability and an impressive 92% return to pre-injury sports, while those with Grade 2-3 sprains had lower rates at 40% and 64%, respectively.
One challenge with the cross-bracing protocol is the requirement for patients to wear the brace and limit their activities for six weeks to achieve healing. Additionally, the success rate diminishes with higher grade sprains. Despite these challenges, it remains a viable option, especially for younger individuals who can better adapt to crutches and braces, as well as for those with lower grade sprains.
For higher grade sprains (Grade 2-3), an alternative option called the Bridge Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) procedure offers a way for the ACL to heal naturally while reducing the need for bracing and activity limitations. This minimally invasive technique involves suturing the torn ACL and placing a blood-soaked implant made of Bovine Collagen around the tear to enhance the healing process. The BEAR procedure has shown an impressive success rate of up to 80% for high-grade sprains which is why iOrtho has introduced this to the Staten Island community.
While ACL tears have historically required surgical intervention, recent studies and advancements in medical techniques offer hope for natural healing. Cross bracing protocols and the BEAR procedure have shown promising results in allowing the ACL to heal, reducing the need for bracing and activity limitations. With innovative treatment options like BEAR Implants, individuals with ACL tears can explore alternatives that aim to restore knee stability and functionality, helping them regain their active lifestyles and participate in sports with renewed confidence.
iOrtho is a multi-specialty musculoskeletal healthcare practice that provides patients with new technologies and innovative procedures designed to make state-of-the-art treatments readily available while maximizing outcomes. For people with active lifestyles and/or physical job requirements, iOrtho is the comprehensive single-source solution for all orthopedic needs; trauma, arthritis, sports, spine- minimally invasive procedures, computer navigated robotic procedures, custom implants, restorative treatments including hyaluronate acid, plasma, stem cell and vitamin infusion therapy, services are covered by most major insurances.
Summary: While ACL tears have historically required surgical intervention, recent studies and advancements in medical techniques offer hope for natural healing. Cross bracing protocols and the BEAR procedure have shown promising results in allowing the ACL to heal, reducing the need for bracing and activity limitations. With innovative treatment options like BEAR Implants, individuals with ACL tears can explore alternatives that aim to restore knee stability and functionality, helping them regain their active lifestyles and participate in sports with renewed confidence.
